Asus to launch Google Tango-enabled Zenfone AR smartphone at CES 2017

Asus to launch its first AR-enabled smartphone, the ZenFone AR, during the forthcoming CES 2017. The smartphone will support Google Tango, according to company CEO Jerry Shen.

The ZenFone AR will come with advanced functionality and performance at a competitive price, Shen said without providing further details. Asus also plans to release its next generation ZenFone 4-series family in the second quarter of 2017, Shen noted, adding that he expects the new models, which will feature enhanced cameras, to help ramp up shipments and profitability.

While acknowledging that the company's handset business unit suffered losses in the third quarter of 2016 due to lower than expected shipments, Shen believes that sales of smartphones will be able to generate profits during the period from October 2016 to March 2017.

ASUS also plans to launch all-in-one (AIO) VR devices in the third quarter of 2017 featuring built-in cameras, sensors and controllers, which will differentiate it from current models available on the market such as HTC Vive or Oculus Rift, Shen revealed.

Meanwhile, Asus will start marketing a household robot, the Zenbo, in the Taiwan market in December 2016, in China in the first quarter of 2017, and in the US and other markets beginning the second quarter, Shen said.

Earlier this year at COMPUTEX 2016 asus has introudced ASUS Zenbo a robotic computing for every household. Zenbo is a friendly and capable home robot designed to provide assistance, entertainment, and companionship to families and meant to address the needs of each family member in this ubiquitous computing era. With a full range of capabilities, including the ability to move independently and understand spoken commands, Zenbo can assist in the home and interacting with him is easy and fun.